The programme will be implemented in all spheres in line with the Law on Thrift Practice and Wastefulness Prevention.

The Government will tighten financial-state budget disciplines, ensure effective spending of State budget in conformity with estimates approved by the National Assembly and practice thrift from the stages of making, allocating and delivering State budget estimates for ministries, agencies and units.

Ministries, agencies and units must save expenses to create financial sources for salary reform, while reducing unnecessary meetings and large-scale festivals using the State budget, and striving to save at least 12 per cent of expenditures for such activities.

Ministries, agencies and units are requested to eliminate ground-breaking and inaugural ceremonies for basic construction projects, excluding national important and group A projects and those with significance in terms of economics, politics, culture and society.

Regarding the use of land, working offices, public buildings and properties, the PM ordered restrictions on the purchase of cars (except for special purpose vehicles) and expensive equipment.

The PM also requested amendments to Government Decision No 32/2015/QĐ-TTg on the management and use of cars in state agencies, public non-productive units and State-owned single-member limited liability companies, towards providing a monthly sum for those entitled to public cars to cover travel costs.

According to the programme, in 2017, ministries, agencies and units must continue implementing the Government’s regulations on reducing the number of public servants by 1.5 – 2 per cent as assigned in 2015. — VNS